Spot Fake Maritime Job Offers
Protect Yourself from Recruitment Scams
Learn to identify fraudulent job offers and protect your career from scammers targeting seafarers
⚠️ Important Warning
Remember: Legitimate maritime employers NEVER ask seafarers to pay upfront fees for job placement, visa processing, or training. Under MLC 2006, recruitment services must be free for seafarers.
Major Red Flags to Watch For
These warning signs should immediately raise suspicion about a job offer
Upfront Payment Requests
Legitimate employers never ask seafarers to pay for job placement, visa processing, or training fees.
Examples:
- •Requests for "processing fees" or "documentation charges"
- •Demands for money to "secure" the position
- •Charges for visa applications or work permits
- •Training fees that must be paid before employment
Unprofessional Communication
Poor communication quality often indicates fraudulent operations.
Examples:
- •Emails with numerous spelling and grammar errors
- •Generic greetings like "Dear Candidate" instead of your name
- •Unprofessional email addresses (Gmail, Yahoo for business)
- •Urgent language creating false time pressure
Too-Good-To-Be-True Offers
Unrealistic salary packages and benefits that seem too generous.
Examples:
- •Salaries significantly above market rates
- •Immediate joining without proper interviews
- •Guaranteed job placement promises
- •Unusually short contract periods with high pay
Suspicious Documentation Requests
Requests for original documents or sensitive personal information.
Examples:
- •Asking for passport surrender or original certificates
- •Requests for bank account details upfront
- •Demanding copies of all personal documents immediately
- •Asking for photos in specific poses or locations
Unverifiable Company Information
Lack of legitimate business presence or verifiable credentials.
Examples:
- •No physical office address or only P.O. Box
- •Recently created websites with minimal content
- •No valid RPSL or manning agency license
- •Company not found in official maritime databases
High-Pressure Tactics
Creating artificial urgency to prevent careful consideration.
Examples:
- •"Limited time offer" or "Only 2 positions left"
- •Pressure to make immediate decisions
- •Threats that the opportunity will be lost
- •Discouraging you from seeking advice from others
Maritime Job Scam Statistics
Advance Fee Scams
Most common type of maritime job fraud
Average Loss
Per victim in recruitment scams
Target New Seafarers
Scammers often target inexperienced candidates
Preventable
With proper verification and awareness
Stay Vigilant, Stay Safe
Remember: If a job offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Always verify before you trust.